Unity Gardens Inc.
Unity Gardens Fruitful Urban Orchard ProgramUnity Gardens Inc.
Unity Gardens Fruitful Urban Orchard Program
The Fruitful Urban Orchard Program was conceived to help address the challenge of food insecurity in historically underserved urban neighborhoods through the establishment and nurturing of 20 urban orchards in St. Joseph County. Building on the success of Unity Gardens’ existing network of over 40 free-pick vegetable gardens, the orchards have increased access to healthy fruit, created welcoming community gathering spaces, and provided a positive environmental impact in neighborhoods frequently lacking shaded greenspaces.
The orchard program, by design, also created meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities in their neighborhoods for those less fortunate. Through a collaboration with the local South Bend Re-Entry Center, Unity is employing, educating, and engaging previously incarcerated men as leaders, mentors, and volunteers in the orchards.
Unity Gardens submitted a grant request to assist with the program start-up. The Foundation, a previous Unity Gardens supporter, noted the success of the original “Gardens” program, in addition to the expected, health, education, and economic development aspects in approving a grant request.
